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“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

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Views from the Choir Loft

The International Institute for Culture

Fr. David Friel · January 12, 2014

NE FEATURE OF A VERY UNIQUE Philadelphia neighborhood called “Overbrook” is the International Institute for Culture (IIC). The Institute began in 1989 in response to Pope John Paul II’s call for cultural re-evangelization, and since that time has organized lecture series, language programs, cultural celebrations, international conferences, educational seminars, and art exhibitions. It has also hosted many musical performances.

Everything the IIC offers attempts to showcase the cultural heritage of Holy Mother Church. Their self-stated goal is to “look at the way in which the Faith has shaped cultures in the past and the culture in which we live today, the manner in which it preserved and elevated whatever was good and noble in any culture that it encountered and repudiated whatever debased the human spirit.” It is an organization with high aspirations.

One of the ongoing seminars they offer is called ”For the Love of Music.” These seminars follow an interesting procedure. First, they listen to a live performance of a piece of classical music. Then, the musicians reflect on what they see & hear in the composition and participants are invited to ask questions & share thoughts. Finally, the whole group listens to the same piece performed again. Described as a “master class for listeners,” this series is a great way for lovers of music to grow in their appreciation for the nuances of various composers and styles.

As one example, the Institute is hosting a session this afternoon at their Ivy Hall headquarters. Featuring pianist Rollin Wilber, attendees will hear selections by C.P.E. Bach, Scarlatti, Beethoven, Grieg, Schumann, Chopin, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, and Villa-Lobos. More information can be found here.

May the efforts of the IIC and other groups like it help to foster a new “civilization of love”!

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Beauty Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Anselm Church in Northeast Philly before earning a doctorate in liturgical theology at The Catholic University of America. He presently serves as Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.—(Read full biography).

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PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
7 June 2022 • FEEDBACK

From Chelan, Washington: “CCWatershed is a God-sent resource that I can’t function without! Such great work by the team to bring beauty back to our liturgy!” From Gainesville, Florida: “I am so appreciative of the work, of my brothers and sisters in music!” From Troutman, North Carolina: “Keep up the excellent work in service of the Liturgy!”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Today the Church has made a big mistake, turning the clock back 500 years with guitars and popular songs. I don’t like it at all. Gregorian Chant is a vital and important tradition of the Church and to waste this—by having guys mix religious words with profane, Western songs—is hugely grave, hugely grave.”

— Maestro Ennio Morricone (10 Sept 2009)

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